April 2024 DonateLife Network update

TSANZ Annual Scientific Meeting

The Transplantation Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ) are hosting their 42nd Annual Scientific Meeting in June.

The program will include presentations on:

• recent advances in transplant immunology
• emerging cellular therapies, digital health and informatics
• organ donation, including strategies to increase the donor pool and efficiency of donor organ allocation.

Visit the TSANZ meetings page for more information and registrations.

2024 NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service Symposium

After a 3-year hiatus, the NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service (OTDS) is pleased to announce the 2024 NSW OTDS Symposium.

Virtual attendance options will also be available. Mark your calendar and watch this space for further details.

Publicity consent form

Just a reminder for everyone on the importance of getting consent from all ‘talent’ when we may use their photos, digital images, testimonials, audio or video recordings to promote DonateLife and our program. This includes donor families, transplant recipients, family members and friends that feature on our DonateLife channels, in promotional or educational materials, or in the media.

The OTA’s publicity consent form protects both DonateLife agencies and the OTA in case of any concerns with sharing images or information.  

We recommend you contact your agency’s comms team if you have questions or need advice.

Organ Donation after Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) 

The DonateLife Network is invited to attend an upcoming international webinar, ‘Organ Donation after Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)’, being held on Thursday 20 June, 10pm-11.30pm (AEST).

To register, visit The Transplantation Society’s (TSS) website.  

Speakers include Intensivists Matthew Weiss from Canada and Alicia Pérez Blanco from Spain, as well as Donation Specialist Larna Woodyatt from Australia.

Please note that you do not need to be a member of the TTS or International Society for Organ Donation and Procurement (ISODP) to attend. 

Janette Hall Scholarship recipients announced

The Janette Hall Professional Training and Development Scholarship Program is provided in memory of Janette Hall, a donation specialist nurse who became an organ and tissue donor in December 2010. The Scholarship was established by the OTA in 2011 to support the professional development of staff working within the DonateLife Network.  

The Scholarship consists of 2 rounds per year, in February and August.

Applicants are encouraged to propose an activity to increase their knowledge, skills, and abilities in organ donation, with a clear relevance to the OTA Strategy 2022–2027. Applicants may apply for funding for a domestic or international activity, including conferences, training courses, workshops, and study tours.  

Suitable applicants are nurses and allied health professionals (or other relevant professionals) who are currently employed and working as part of the DonateLife Network.

The Scholarship round in February 2024 was highly competitive, with scholarships awarded to 5 recipients who applied for a broad range of activities. These professional development opportunities will greatly benefit the individuals, as well as the DonateLife Network. The funding varied from $2,809 to $15,000 per recipient.  

Congratulations to the Scholarship recipients:

• Larna Woodyatt (VIC) will be completing a study tour in Canada in 2024, focusing on organ and tissue donation after medical assistance in dying (MAiD).
• Freya Parrotte (VIC) will be attending The Transplantation Society (TTS) International Congress in Istanbul, Turkey.  
• Samantha Stones (VIC) will be attending the Transplant Procurement Management Advanced International Training Course and will complete an internship with the Donation and Transplantation Institute in Barcelona.
• Kirsty Caley (QLD) will be attending the Transplant Procurement Management Advanced International Training Course in Barcelona.
• Melissa Short (VIC) presented an oral abstract at the ACCCN/ANZICS Intensive Care ASM in April 2024. 

Notes from the forefront of VAD implementation  

Larna Woodyatt, a Nurse Donation Specialist in regional Victoria, is helping implement the Victorian program to enable organ donation in the context of Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). Larna’s involvement resulted in her getting to know the special patient and family at the centre of the first donation after VAD case in Australia.  

Larna describes the experience as the most rewarding moment in her whole nursing career. Everyone involved acknowledged that they were embarking on something new and different, and embraced the opportunity to be part of something special.

Larna’s involvement has proven to be professionally and personally rewarding. She was recognised for her knowledge and experience with both national and international invitations to present and speak on this important topic.  

Alongside her passion to provide choice to those at the end of life is a desire to share her knowledge with her colleagues, the wider network and community. Later this year, Larna is travelling to Canada  to observe, learn from and participate in the process of organ and tissue donation after Medical Assistance in Dying (the Canadian term for Voluntary Assisted Dying). Larna is grateful and excited to be supported by a Janette Hall Scholarship to undertake this study tour.

The OTA Clinical Programs team will create more opportunities for staff like Larna to learn from each other and share their experiences with organ donation after VAD. There is a forum for practitioners leading this work across the country, and a network-wide webinar later in the year. Look out for more details about these events in future editions of DonateLife Network Update.

Education Working Group (EdWG)

The Education Working Group (EdWG) commenced in the second half of 2023. This group was brought together to review and modify – where required – the National Education Program for health professionals working in the donation sector.

The EdWG has met 3 times – in August and November 2023, then February 2024. Members include nursing and medical donation specialists, education coordinators, clinical managers, agency managers and the OTA Clinical Programs team.  

The groups formed 5 subgroups, each with a specific area of focus:

• Advanced communication training for donation specialists.
• Medical trainee education (including the College of Intensive Care Medicine).
• Hospital-based staff education.
• ‘Train the trainer’ for education delivery.
• Professional development pathways for the DonateLife nursing network.

The subgroups meet regularly and are progressing their workplans. It is exciting to see some great ideas coming from the network. There is lots of enthusiasm to share and collaborate across some innovative concepts in education and training.

Publication of the National Histocompatibility Assessment Guideline for Solid Organ Transplantation

The Transplantation Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ)’s National Histocompatibility Assessment Guideline for Solid Organ Transplantation is published and now available on the TSANZ guidelines and SOPs page. The Guideline was developed by the TSANZ/OTA Virtual Crossmatch Working Group, in consultation with the TSANZ Tissue Typing Advisory Committee.

The Guideline aims to establish consistent standards of practice for histocompatibility laboratories. It supports clinical transplantation in Australia in identifying acceptable and unacceptable antigens for transplant recipients.

We would like to thank the Virtual Crossmatch Working Group and Tissue Typing Advisory Committee for their work developing these guidelines.

Community Engagement

We were presented with some excellent opportunities to engage with the ACT community in the past few months. Our volunteers supported DonateLife ACT to share key organ and tissue donation messages at events such as the Multicultural Festival, the Gift of Life Walk, and the Activity Report Launch.

Image caption (left): Nadia Burkolter mid-interview with a local radio station at the 2024 Multicultural Festival.

Image caption (middle): President of Gift of Life (GoLi) Cath Scott, DLC ACT agency manager Nadia Burkolter, and member of the Legislative Assembly Emma Davidson at the start of the 2024 Gift of Life Walk in Canberra.

Image caption (right): Organ and Tissue Authority CEO Lucinda Barry, Chair of the OTA Advisory Board and donor father Oren Klemich, donor family member Georgia Bartlett, and Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon Ged Kearney MP at the 2023 Activity Report Launch at Parliament House.

Agency manager Nadia Burkolter visited the Canberra Hospital Renal team on Wednesday 27 March. She delivered important organ and tissue information, as part of DonateLife ACT’s commitment to renal education.

Members of DonateLife ACT have attended Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.) programs at the Canberra Hospital, and as part of the outreach program. We’re looking forward to presenting information on organ and tissue donation as part of the P.A.R.T.Y. program, starting from school term 2.

ACT Hospital Engagement Visit  

On Tuesday 12 March we welcomed several members of the OTA executive to meet with senior staff from Canberra Hospital. Attendees included the Canberra Health Services Chief Operating Officer and representatives from the emergency department, ICU, and Theatres.

It was an excellent opportunity to hear from the OTA in person, and to thank everyone for their continued collaboration. Dr Helen Opdam enjoyed a tour of the ICU – we’re looking forward to showing off the new Critical Service Building once it opens in August!

Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving    

A humbling and moving Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving was held on Saturday 24 February, at the National Gallery of Australia. Approximately 150 donor families, recipients, members of the Legislative Assembly and staff from the organ and tissue sector attended.

The Service is always a wonderful opportunity to come together and honour organ and tissue donors. It’s a chance to extend our heartfelt gratitude to donors and their families for saying ‘yes’ to organ donation and giving the ultimate gift of life. 

Image caption: Sean Dicks, DonateLife ACT Donor Family Support, at the 2024 Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving.

First Voluntary Assisted Dying donations

Donation Specialists from QLD and NSW gave very moving presentations about each state’s first Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) cases at the February DonateLife NSW network meeting.  

The nurses outlined how the 2 patients who requested VAD had fully explored the possibility of donating their organs and tissues after they died. They explained the blood tests, scans, and examinations conducted, as well as the discussions involved and how informed consent was obtained.

Most importantly, they described how the medical teams worked together to ensure that the processes of donation and Voluntary Assisted Dying were truly reflective of these 2 patients’ wishes.

Walking for Matthew

Each year, the Newcastle Gift of Life Walk is a great way to talk with families and friends about organ and tissue donation. The walk is held in memory of 34-year-old Matthew Brown, who donated his organs after a tragic motorbike accident in 2017.

This year’s event was held on Sunday March 24 and was a great success. Friends, family, colleagues, school mates, fitness buddies and pets completed the 5 km walk at Stockton Beach.

Image caption: Participants gather at Stockton Beach for the 5km Gift of Life Walk.

Services to Remember 

Dates have now been set for the NSW Services of Remembrance, which take place in Newcastle and Sydney.

Fresh new look for websites 

New photos and updated information about DonateLife NSW staff members have been added to the DonateLife website and the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District’s (SESLHD) website. 
 

Bunnings Community Networking Event

DonateLife NT were invited to attend a Bunnings community networking event at the Darwin store on Thursday 7 March. The event aimed to establish relationships, identify challenges and discuss future plans. Two of the NT team attended the event and donation nurse Leigh presented to around 50 attendees on organ donation, registration and the importance of talking with your family. Several attendees approached Leigh afterwards and asked about the possibility of future presentations to their community organisations.

Image caption: Donation Specialist Nursing Coordinator Leigh speaking to attendees at the Bunnings community networking event.

Royal Darwin Hospital ICU presentation  

On Wednesday 27 March, DonateLife NT arranged for donor dad Ian Berry and kidney recipient Robbie Dalton to share their stories with Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) ICU staff.  

Nurses, registrars, consultants and allied health staff were moved as Ian spoke of his son’s time in ICU, with several staff members recalling Ian and his family. Ian’s son became a donor over a decade ago and Ian and his wife take great comfort in their son’s gift of organ donation. 

Robbie gave a personal insight into what it is like living with end stage renal failure. He reflected on how his life changed after receiving a kidney transplant through the Australia New Zealand Paired Kidney Exchange (ANZKX) program. Robbie’s best mate was involved in the paired exchange process and Robbie is indebted to him.

Image caption: Transplant recipient Robbie, Royal Darwin Hospital ICU Director & NT Medical Director Dr Paul Goldrick, and donor dad Ian took time to get a photograph following the ICU presentation.

Nightcliff Middle School Health Expo 

DonateLife NT were invited to attend the Nightcliff Middle School Health Expo on Wednesday 3 April. With over 300 students from years 7, 8 and 9 at this event, it was a busy day for our team. 

Students were required to answer questions and when they got a correct answer (sometimes with gentle prompting) they were allowed to spin the prize wheel. The bucket hats with First Nations artwork on them were the most popular merchandise items. Teachers even joined in the conversations and many attendees were very surprised at how many lives that one organ donor can save or transform.

Image caption: Donation Specialist Nursing Coordinators Lani and Laura full of enthusiasm at the Nightcliff Middle School Health Expo.

DonateLife NT Strategic Planning Day 

On Tuesday 9 April, DonateLife NT held its annual strategic planning day. The entire team attended and discussed the national strategy, objectives and performance measures. We talked about how the team could optimise opportunities, enhance systems and build support for organ and tissue donation and transplantation. There was great enthusiasm, discussion and new ideas were generated, and the team feels invigorated and ready to achieve its goals this year. 

Image caption: The DonateLife NT team on the morning of their strategic planning day

Central Queensland mum expresses gratitude for son’s transplant  

Partnering with the local community is at the heart of what DonateLife QLD does. Donation Specialist Nurse Coordinator (DSNC) Jo, from Rockhampton Hospital, attended an all-day Wellbeing Expo where she met people who’ve been touched by organ donation. This included the mother of a transplant recipient.

Moura local and loving mum and wife Annette, along with her husband, knows what it’s like to care for a transplant recipient. Their son received a kidney transplant 10 years ago, and their family expressed gratitude to their donor family and the life-saving work of DonateLife and transplantation teams.

Image caption: DSNC Jo with Central Queensland Mum Annette at the Wellbeing Expo.

Meet the Brisbane artist who never gives up  

Meet Ross Connelly, an artist and liver transplant recipient who is very grateful for his gift of life. While waiting for his transplant, he was inspired by the phrase ‘Never give up’. In gratitude to the Queensland Liver Transplant team and organ donors and their families, he created a metal-based wall hanging in his signature style. The artwork is now on display at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. 

Image caption (left): Liver recipient and Brisbane artist Ross Connelly’s artwork.

Image caption (right): Liver recipient and Brisbane artist Ross Connelly with his artwork

Ready, Jet Set, Go!  

DonateLife QLD showcased our support for the Ipswich Jets Rugby League team and local defence personnel at their defence appreciation day.

Donation Specialist Nurse (DSN) Liz, Donation Specialist Coordinator (DSC) Kate and DonateLife Community Champion Mandy spoke to locals about organ donation, with Mandy sharing that she’s now had her donor kidney for over 45 years.

Image caption (left): DSC Kate and DSN Liz at the defence appreciation day.

Image caption (right): Community Champion and kidney recipient Mandy, with DSN Liz.

Ain’t no mountain high enough!  

Now this is what we call taking things to new heights! DSC Shaun and his partner Adam recently embarked on the Inca trail in South America, where they proudly represented DonateLife.

Even while 15,000 km away from home and at 5000 m elevation, they didn’t miss the opportunity to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation.

Image caption: DSC Shaun with his partner Adam on the Inca Trail in Peru.

Meeting the gem of the family  

DSN Shontelle and Queensland Tissue Bank Scientist Zoe spent a meaningful day at the Cardiac Family Open Day in March. They met families of patients and staff members who’ve been touched by childhood-onset heart disease. 

Little Ruby was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) when her mother was 21 weeks pregnant. HLHS is a rare heart defect where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped and cannot pump blood well. 

Ruby underwent 3 operations in her first 4 months of life, with surgeons using donor cardiac tissue to reconfigure her heart. For Jade and Brendan, Ruby’s cardiac team at the Queensland Children’s Hospital have become like a second family.

Image caption (left): Ruby with her parents Jade and Brendan, and Zoe from the Queensland Tissue Bank

Image caption (right): DSN Shontelle at the Cardiac Family Open Day DonateLife table.

Parliamentary Inquiry report released

The Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into increasing the number of registered organ and tissue donors in Victoria was released on Wednesday 20 March. There were several recommendations, including that the Victorian Government explore the option to allow Victorians to register on the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR) via drivers licences.

The final report, along with the recommendations, will be helpful for future lobbying. The Parliamentary Committee final report and summary booklet can be read and downloaded on the Parliament of Victoria website.

Media

DonateLife VIC has arranged some excellent media coverage over the past few months.

To coincide with the Good Friday Appeal, News Corp ran a cover story on Saturday 23 March in V Weekend about baby Harlen Busutill. Harlen was awaiting and then received a liver transplant. The feature was syndicated online nationally, along with a video following Harlen and his family through his transplant surgery, recovery and return home. News Corp shared a shortened version of the feature with mastheads around the country, and a picture story appeared in the Herald Sun on Friday 22 March, pointing to Saturday's feature.

On Friday 9 February, The House of Wellness TV shared a story about Claire DeStratis, who donated part of her liver to her son Jake. The story starts 20 minutes and 20 seconds into the episode.

On Tuesday 26 March, DonateLife VIC State Medical Director, Rohit D’Costa was interviewed on ABC Radio Statewide Mornings with Jonathon Kendall. Rohit spoke about the Parliamentary Inquiry report and registration via driver licences. The interview starts at 1:20:05.

On ABC Radio Melbourne Drive on Wednesday 6 March, ‘What If Wednesday’ tackled the question: What if you had to opt out of organ donation? Host Ali Moore discussed this with Rohit D’Costa and Liberal Upper House MP Nick McGowan, who has campaigned for an opt-out system. 

Community events: ChillOut Festival

ChillOut Festival is Australia's premier regional LGBTQIA+ pride event, held annually in Daylesford, Victoria. Despite the 38-degree day, DonateLife Victoria was thrilled to take part in the Carnival alongside other healthcare, not-for-profit and community services. This year’s focus for our team was defining the difference between organ and blood donation and encouraging attendees to register on the AODR. 

It’s been a busy couple of months at DonateLife WA! 

On Tuesday 13 February, North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS) Employee Wellbeing Psychologist, Daniel Lazaro, visited DonateLife staff. He provided important information about the latest services available to support their well-being. 

On Friday 16 February, Public Health staff held their first Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Committee meeting. The committee will engage, support, and monitor the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal clients, visitors, and staff at Public Health. 

On Wednesday 21 February DonateLife WA held a stand at Curtin University’s Orientation Day, where we had excellent engagement with the students. We received many enquiries from attendees, and were thrilled to help register many of them. 

Caption: Jenny Duggan speaking with a visitor at the DonateLife WA stand during the Curtin University Student Guild Orientation Day.

On Friday 15 March, Jenny Duggan attended the second Public Health meeting for the Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing Committee. Jenny also attended a Harmony Week Multicultural event, ‘Altone Comes Alive’, in Altone Park, Beechboro on Friday 22 March. There were a lot of enquiries and discussions, and several registrations. 

DonateLife WA was a sponsor for the Heart Lung Research Institute of WA’s ‘Breaths and Beats Ride for Research’. We were able to meet other sponsors and the transplant recipient team leaders at a meet and greet event at Harry Perkins Institute. The actual event was held at the South Perth foreshore on Sunday 21 April, and saw the Team Leaders – all heart and lung transplant recipients – lead their band of riders around a 29km route through South Perth. The event raised over $250k for heart and lung research and was a resounding success.

Image caption (left): DonateLife WA Staff Toula Saltas, Janelle McAllan, Anna Wilson, Nicola Fletcher, and Penny Spicer, at the Breaths and Beats Ride for Research.

Image caption (right): The starting line of the Breaths and Beats Ride for Research.

Clinical Nursing Specialists (CNS) Janelle McAllan and Penny Spicer attended RAC’s Bstreetsmart event on Tuesday 26 March. Held at RAC Arena, Bstreetsmart is a free annual event for year 10–12 students that demonstrates the consequences of distracted driving, speeding and drink and drug driving. They engaged with over 10,000 students throughout the day. Jenny Duggan also attended the event to speak to the teachers’ lounge, and State Medical Director Dr David Blythe attended as a VIP lounge guest. 

Image caption: CNS Janelle McAllan and CNS Penny Spicer with Red Frog Staff at RAC Arena.

OTA’s leadership engage with Adelaide DonateLife and hospital stakeholders

On Thursday 4 April Lucinda Barry, Dr Helen Opdam and Alison Hodak visited the Royal Adelaide Hospital, with DonateLife SA Medical Director Dr Stewart Moodie and State Manager, Nursing Service Director, Heylen Laver. They met with Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN) Executive, ICU Leadership, Renal Transplant Services, and the Blood, Organ and Tissue Program.

DonateLife SA held an Educational Meeting in our central office, where we welcomed special guests from OTA: Board member Oren Klemich, and national manager of communications and engagement Brianna Elms. This was an excellent opportunity for them to meet and greet our DonateLife SA Network members.

Along with a presentation from Dr Stewart Moodie, attendees heard from 2 special guest speakers at the meeting. Social anthropologist Dr Tanya Zivkovic presented her work “Qualitative Themes from Families who Consent and Decline Donation”. Kidney surgeon Dr Shantanu Bhattacharjya shared his research findings about in-situ kidney preservation. Brianna joined us online to present OTA’s national communication strategy.

Image caption: Lucinda Barry, Dr Helen Opdam, and Alison Hodak with DonateLife SA Network members.

Following the release of the 2023 Donation and Transplantation Activity Report, DonateLife TAS arranged some excellent and wide-reaching media coverage. The media highlighted our 2023 outcomes, and the incredible generosity of Tasmanian donor families in 2023. It also highlighted continuing support from the health sector to increase organ and tissue donation in the state.

Some of those who generously gave their time to support media engagement were kidney recipients Adam and David, both from southern Tasmania. Stephen from Launceston and Mitchell from Devonport also spoke about their transplant journeys.

• Adam received a kidney transplant in 2023 from a deceased donor. Following a good recovery, he has been able to return to work and is looking forward to becoming a first-time dad. 
• David is currently waitlisted for a second kidney transplant. He received his first kidney transplant from his mother an incredible 25 years ago, in 1999. 
• Stephen and Mitchell received kidney transplants from deceased donors in 2023. They have returned to work and have recovered very well, now that they are no longer reliant on dialysis. 

All 4 recipients participated in interviews statewide and received statewide media coverage, including stories in each of the 3 daily papers, both commercial TV stations and multiple radio stories. 

Image caption (top left): Kidney recipient Adam shared his story with the media.

Image caption (top right): Kidney recipient and transplant waitlistee David shared his story in The Mercury.

Image caption (middle left): Kidney transplant recipient Stephen’s story was shared in state media following the 2023 Activity Report.

Image caption (middle right): Kidney recipient Mitchell shared his transplant story with state media.

Image caption (bottom): State Medical Director Dr Andrew Turner speaks to media about the 2023 Activity Report.

Royal Hobart Hospital ICU Newsletter: Insight

The DonateLife TAS clinical team contributes to a monthly Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) ICU newsletter, Insight. It provides an opportunity to present information about DonateLife, including updates to protocols, referral pathways, and progress with service delivery in the state.

The most recent edition was also a good opportunity to share the Tasmanian outcomes revealed in the 2023 Activity report.

Crisis Communication Skills

In late February, Lifeline Tasmania presented a Crisis Communication Skills education presentation to the team.

We learnt about using appropriate communication skills to respond to people in crisis and how to respond to trauma and suicidal conversations. We also explored coping strategies such a self-care, debriefing, setting boundaries, limiting exposure and increasing self-awareness.

This training established the foundations for the team to further develop our own service-specific planning and strategies.

Inter-state sharing: VAD

In March, Larna Woodyatt from DonateLife VIC provided the clinical team with a valuable opportunity to hear about her Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) case experience.

This provided very useful insights and considerations for the future development of Tasmanian VAD practice guidelines and documentation. 

Clinical Programs 

Clinical programs welcomed Lara Wynd to the team at the end of March, in the role of Project Support Officer. Lara joins us from the Department of Health and Aged Care, and works as a registered nurse in general practice one day a week.

The corporate team welcomed Peter Burge, who started at the end of April in the procurement role recently vacated by Georgia Hulanicki. Peter joins us from the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. 

DonateLife ACT  

DonateLife ACT are delighted to welcome Danielle Quiggin to the team as a trainee Donation Specialist Nursing Coordinator.

Dani was previously a senior staff member of the ICU at Canberra Hospital, and more recently worked in London during the height of the pandemic. Dani is a huge gain to DonateLife ACT and brings a wealth of experience to the role. Since joining the team, Dani’s orientation is progressing rapidly with several end-of-life conversations and exposure to organ donation activity. 

DonateLife NSW 

Take a bow, Dr Michael O’Leary! The Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS) has added Michael, State Medical Director of the NSW Organ and Tissue Donation Service, to their Honour Roll. The acknowledgment recognises Dr O’Leary’s outstanding contribution to the specialty of Intensive Care Medicine, well above and beyond being a dedicated clinician.

Image caption: DonateLife NSW State Medical Director, Dr Michael O’Leary.

Three new Donation Specialist Coordinators joined us in April: Sally Turner, Kath Dulay and Holly Whitacker. We also welcomed a new business support officer, Sandra Jovicic.

Meanwhile, Vicki Harding has stepped into the role of Acting General Manager, as well as carrying out her usual role as Manager of Stakeholders, Corporate and Community.  

DonateLife NSW also welcomed 3 new volunteers: 22-year-old heart recipient Ryan Gibbons, retired nurse Sue Hassall and personal trainer Sascha Meyers, who is running from Brisbane to Sydney to raise awareness about organ donation. Sasha is doing this to give thanks for his mother’s life-saving gift of organ donation. 

Image caption: DonateLife NSW staff members (L-R) Sandra Jovicic, Joanna Stathopoulos, Elissa Gillon, Sally Turner, Holly Whittaker and Kath Dulay.

DonateLife NT

In April, Donation Specialist Coordinator Brooke Eppelstun went on maternity leave. We’re eagerly anticipating her newborn news! While Brooke is on maternity leave, agency manager Lee Wood will be taking on Brooke’s communications tasks. 

DonateLife QLD 

DonateLife QLD are thrilled to welcome Donation Specialist Nurse Freya Staley to our network. Freya is based at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane and job shares with Hayley Watkins. Besides caring for ICU patients and donor families, Freya enjoys a trip to the beach and exploring the underwater world with scuba diving. 

It was with much sadness that we said farewell to our Donation Specialist Coordinator Kellie Herbert. Kellie is entering the world of Forensic and Scientific Services as a Coronial Nurse, following 6 years with DonateLife QLD. 

Image caption (left): Freya joins the DonateLife QLD network as our Donation Specialist Nurse at the PA Hospital.

Image caption (right): Kellie farewells DonateLife Qld after 6 years

Hervey Bay’s award-winning Donation Specialist Nurse Coordinator Ian Rogers recently won the Fraser Coast Australia Day Award, as part of the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service. The Awards are an opportunity to recognise the outstanding achievements of their hardworking staff and the impact they have on their community. 

Image caption: DSNC Ian receives his award from Chief Executive Deborah Carroll and Chair of the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Board, Peta Jamieson.

DonateLife VIC 

DonateLife VIC welcomed Jane Howell to our team in early March. Jane started in the Donation Specialist Nurse (DSN) role, and has extensive ICU experience. She is currently the Clinical Nurse Consultant for Blood Management in the Safety and Quality Unit in Albury. 

We also welcomed 3 new Donation Specialist Nurses on Monday 8 April, at Monash, Western and Austin. Welcome to Erin Wharton, Jerome Hamoline and Nicole Pate. 

All began their casework training in early April. 

Vale Monica Dowling 

Image caption: DonateLife Victoria DSN Monica Dowling.

We’re very sad to share the news of Monica Dowling’s passing. Monica was the DSN at Northern Health from 2008–2022. Our thoughts are with Monica’s family and those who worked with her closely. She will be missed. DSN Bridget Walters MDS David Crosbie, who were close colleague and friend of Monica’s, has written the following tribute: 

‘It is with great sadness that the DonateLife network mourns the loss of our dear friend and colleague Monica Dowling. 

Monica was one of the first donation nurses in Victoria, starting as a Nurse Donation Specialist at Northern Health in 2008. During her 14 years in the role, Monica ensured all patients and their families had the opportunity to donate, and supported them throughout their donation journey with empathy, kindness and compassion. She also ensured every person’s end of life care was dignified and personal.  

Monica was passionate about accommodating patient wishes, especially at end of life. She emphasised the impact and selflessness that donor families made when consenting to organ and tissue donation, and donor family generosity never ceased to amaze her.  

Monica was a dedicated and passionate advocate. She worked tirelessly to change perceptions about organ and tissue donation across all cultures and religions, working closely with religious and faith leaders in the Northern Community.  

She facilitated and contributed to community awareness activities such as a statewide Italian Bocce tournament, dinner dances, education study days and community engagement days. Monica understood the importance of networking and collaboration, and worked closely with the Islamic Council of Victoria, Interpreters/Transcultural and Language Services, volunteers, local council groups and university open days to raise awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation. Working closely with interpreters, Monica created resources that were shared nationally to provide education to assist interpreters during organ donation discussions. 

Monica was part of the inaugural pilot of Core Family Donation Conversation. She continued creating awareness at Northern Health of the importance of collaborative requesting by educating nursing and medical staff. Monica’s strong work ethic and her love for her role as a nurse was evident in all that she did. Monica took pride in mentoring and supporting staff, and she was always welcoming and supportive of visiting DSNCs at Northern and within DonateLife Victoria. 

Monica led by example, with humility and encouragement. She guided, empowered, and included staff across all areas, especially in supporting patients and their families through the donation process. With her quick wit and banter, Monica’s company was always welcome and enjoyed. Monica will be greatly missed by many, but her impact and legacy lives on in the donor program at Northern and across the DonateLife network.’ 

DonateLife WA

At the start of March, Lisa Dewar started her position as Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer in Public Health. Linda will be implementing the Aboriginal Stakeholder plan.

On Monday 11 March, Melanie Boardman started as a new Donor Specialist Coordinator.

New staff members Janelle McAllan, Hannah Wilkinson and Trisha Denton attended the OTA Nursing induction day in Canberra in April.  

Toula Saltas, Clinical Director from DonateLife VIC, is acting as Agency Manager for DonateLife WA while Laura Sweeney and Melissa Smith are taking annual leave. Toula began acting in the role from on Monday 15 April, and will hand over to Tony Holland on Thursday 2 May, until Laura Sweeney returns on Monday 20 May.

We were also thrilled to celebrate Donor Specialist Coordinator Mary Lynch on 27 March – Mary reached the milestone of 20 years of service with DonateLife WA! 

Image caption: Nabeela Shihab, Hannah Wilkinson, Melanie Boardmann, Mary Lynch & Pooch, Malin Homer & Pooch, Andree Gould, Natala Taylor, Laura Sweeney. (Front Row): Melissa Smith, Syra Bux, and Tanya Badenhorst.

DonateLife SA 

In March, Amanda Stewart was appointed as the new Advanced Nurse/Midwife Consultant – DonateLife SA Clinical Manager. Amanda brings a strong clinical skillset and over 3 years of experience working as a Donation Specialist Nursing Coordinator (DSNC). She is committed to her personal and professional growth and development in many areas, including critical care, clinical nursing, teaching, and leadership. 

Amanda has strong core values that align with DonateLife SA leadership. Amanda has the ability to remain calm through complex situations, excellent interpersonal skills, and passion to drive positive change. Amanda’s skills will help her meet the challenges of this new and exciting opportunity within our organisation. 

Image caption: Amanda Stewart, new Clinical Manager of DonateLife SA.

Staff Profile: Rosalie Grivell, Director, Clinical Delivery 

Image caption: Rosalie Grivell, Director, Clinical Delivery

What’s your role in the DonateLife Network?

I work in Canberra in the OTA Clinical Programs team – my official title is Director, Clinical Delivery.

What does your role include?

I lead one half of the Clinical Programs team and am lucky to work with some amazing people in that team. We are responsible for supporting and delivering education and professional development, managing revision of Guidelines and SOPs, and managing donor family evaluation activities. We also support eye and tissue and other advisory and stakeholder groups.

What led you to your career?

I am a medical doctor by training and always wanted to be a doctor from a young age. In terms of my career to date, I have worked in lots of different roles, including various combinations of clinical work, education, training, leadership, advocacy and research.

A couple of years ago, I was looking for a significant change in direction having had plans A, B and C made impossible due to COVID (insert sad face). I also was keen to live somewhere else in Australia, having always lived in Adelaide. My job, based in Canberra, was advertised at just the right time. So here I am in Canberra working for a great agency, with fabulous people who work together towards a clear and common purpose.

What was your first job?

I did a few different casual jobs when I was at uni, but my first proper job was as an ‘intern’, which is the first job a junior doctor has after medical school. I worked at the big tertiary hospital where I had been as a medical student, but it was still a wild and scary ride!

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

Hmmm, probably a night owl, although my ability to function well late at night is deteriorating as I get older! I blame doing so much on-call and night shift when I was working clinically.

I can be an early bird if I really need to be, although due to above reasons I am getting worse at being able to switch my brain on at a moment's notice!

Are you a dog person or a cat person (or neither)?

Cat person, although haven’t had one for a number of years.

If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?

I would banish all forms of chronic disease!

If you could only have 3 apps on your smartphone, which would you pick?

Outlook for email, Instagram for connection and generally finding crazy ideas, and BOM to know how many layers of clothes to wear on my bike commute to work.

What’s your favourite sport to watch and which team do you barrack for?

I am not a huge sports fan but have recently enjoyed watching the Matildas. I also like watching a bit of cricket at an international level.

What’s one hobby you’d love to get into?

I would love to get into textile art, as it's at the intersection of sewing, crafting, painting and drawing, which are all things I love to do when I have the time.

What’s the top destination on your must-visit list?

I have a close friend in the Netherlands who I haven’t seen for almost 5 years, so at the moment visiting her and her family is on the top of my list.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

I hardly ever sing in front of other people (too many choir concerts at school?) but the last time I did, it was Don’t Stop Believin’ (the Glee Cast version).